How does my diff work?

Vince2

Member
Messages
192
2012 GTS. Pulling out of my drive slowly and turning full lock left to keep to the left of the road as there's a blind bend close, I get a chattering from rear left wheel area. (Not the wife!!) Never happend before but last twice I've been out that way, it's done it.
Like the diff is locked and it doesn't like the sharp turn, tyre perhaps skipping?
I'm not sure how diffs work so don't know if it's causing damage and needs sorting. Doesn't do it any other time so maybe when the diff warms up it sorts itself?.
Any thoughts?
 

JonW

Member
Messages
3,259
Are you on Pirelli Pzero’s? Mine did similar on full lock turn when it was cold... it was always the reminder that prompted me to switch to winter tyres…
 

Vince2

Member
Messages
192
Are you on Pirelli Pzero’s? Mine did similar on full lock turn when it was cold... it was always the reminder that prompted me to switch to winter tyres…

Yes, Pzeros. But not sure how would swapping tyres change issue?
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
Yes, Pzeros. But not sure how would swapping tyres change issue?

The difference in wheel speed means that the diff will try and lock the wheels together. The tyre grip is low so the noise is the tyre slipping on the surface. When it is or the tyres are warm have more grip and so it doesn’t slip.

What it really means is your diff is working.
 
Last edited:

Vince2

Member
Messages
192
The difference in wheel speed means that the diff will try and lock the wheels together. The tyre grip is low so the noise is the tyre slipping on the surface. When it i or the tyres are warm have more grip and so it doesn’t slip.

What it really means is your diff is working.

So nothing to worry about! - excellent, thanks.
 
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allandwf

Member
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10,958
As above, mine used to also do it in the cold and damp. It is a bit disconcerting at first.